Bedrooms and Hallways

Relationships in the nineties are not what they used to be. Certainly not in the stylish romantic comedy Bedrooms and Hallways by Rose Troche, the director of Go Fish (the film about the loves of young lesbians that won the Teddy Prize for the best gay film in 1994 in Berlin). Her second film, with its mixture of cinematographic styles, focuses on two young gays who share an apartment, but not the bed. On the eve of his thirtiest birthday, Leo wants to have a stable relationship and even starts to feel jealous of bourgeois straights. His housemate Darren on the other hand is happy with his life of casual sex. At a friend's instigation, Leo goes along to a male group-therapy session let by the guru Keith and his wife Sybil. Through re-birthing therapy and honesty stones, Leo is forced to reveal his feelings for the attractive Irish Brendan. Even though Brendan is straight, he starts an affair with Leo on a weekend trip. Within the group, this surprising development instigates a re-evaluation of each element from both their lives that may have something to do with their sexual identity.The protagonists in Bedrooms and Hallways are played by young British 'stars', among them Kevin McKidd (Tommy from Trainspotting), who adds a surprising turn to the classic male romantic lead.